Shell Historic Ferrari Maserati Challenge

Monza, 20th October - Rain ruined the party for the beautiful historic cars here in Monza today. The final race of the day, reserved for single seaters, had to be interrupted because of a torrential downpour which hit the Monza track. Prior to that, the race for those cars using disc brakes had seen victory go to the German Hardman in his Ferrari 246 P. At the start, Frederico Della Noche took the lead with his 250 LM, but he was soon passed by Jean Guikas in his 512 S. On lap four, Guikas spun, leaving the way clear for Hardman who crossed the line ahead of Kroymans (275 GTO,) Gaye (250 GT Berlinetta,) Della Noche and Piper (250 LM.)

In the race for cars with drum brakes, which was run this morning, the race was brought to life with some very hard fought battles. Irvine Laidlaw (Maserati 250S) made a great getaway, but was soon passed by his bitter rival Burkhard Von Schenk (Maserati 300S.) The duel between these two played into the hands of third placed Bernd Hahne (Maserati 450 S) who, making the most of an exciting moment, managed to snatch the lead, which he kept to the chequered flag. Thus there were three cars bearing the Trident emblem on the podium, with Von Schenk second and Laidlaw third.

Also taking to the track for some demonstration laps were some of the single seaters which make up the history of Scuderia Ferrari. Among the many Prancing Horse cars, were the 500 F2 which won two championships with Alberto Ascari, the 1975 312 T and the T2 from 1976 -1977 (three Constructors' titles and two Drivers' came Ferrari's way with these cars,) the 126 C4 of the late Michele Alboreto (1984,) the F1-89 as used by Nigel Mansell (the first car to use a paddle gear shift on the steering wheel,) ending up with the F399 which Michael Schumacher, Eddie Irvine and Mika Salo took to the Constructors' title in 1999.